READ | SERMON NOTES
SUMMARY | “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus Himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” (Acts 20:35)
In his farewell exhortation to the Ephesian elders, Paul helps us understand how life is more blest when shaped by Jesus, and we willingly surrender our fears, priorities, time, money and need for control to God. Working hard to help the weak is the radically different and more blessed way to live like Jesus.
Pledge Sunday allows us to respond to God’s faithful provisions and generosity with grateful hearts. Selfless giving becomes joyful when we recognise God’s good and perfect gifts of grace in our salvation, life, family, work, abilities and resources. We begin to trust, not fear; give generously, not grab and get. While receiving birthday presents and unexpected free meals are delightful, there is more joy in seeing a child gleefully open a Christmas present we have carefully chosen; more satisfaction in helping someone in need; and more gratification in seeing someone’s thankful smile in response to our kindness. Practiced in the following ways, giving the way of the Lord personally enriches us and produces essential Joy in our Christian discipleship.
1. A Generous Way of LIVING – Paul pointed not to an occasional event but a pattern of life. In ministry, work, sacrifice, service, care for others and everything he did, he showed who he was (v35) by a lifestyle that went generously beyond a donation. He gave his strength through hard work, his time to ministries, his tears through pastoral care, his freedom through suffering, his life for the gospel. In everything Paul did, he showed the more blessed lifestyle. How are we using our time, resources and service to follow after Christ? “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21) What we value most is revealed by where we invest our lives. Every dollar spent somewhere is a dollar less elsewhere. Is this the best use of what God has entrusted me? Rather than “how much” should I give, ask if I am becoming a more surrendered and generous disciple who gives worshipfully, not obligingly. Am I a channel or storage reservoir of God’s blessings?
2. A Compassionate Way of LOVING – Having people in our view makes us more willing to “help the weak”, just as God has consistently helped the needy and vulnerable poor, alien, widow and orphan. His generous love is shown by Christ having died for us while we were still sinners. (Romans 5:8) God provides for others through our generosity. Beyond funding ministries, every pledge made today in Jesus’ name expresses our love for people who need practical help, education, discipling, rescuing and to hear the gospel. Our vision of becoming a “welcoming, missional and caring” church is fulfilled when members offer themselves and their resources, hospitality and practical help for God’s mission – to visit the lonely, disciple a younger believer, care for family members, pray for the church, nation and world; teach, encourage, lead; attend to the hurting and simply being present for others.
3. A Kingdom Way of BLESSING – Generosity flows out of necessity from a heart transformed by God’s grace, to reflect Jesus’ words, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Having received mercy, forgiveness, grace, salvation and more blessings than we deserve, it is especially joyful to partake of God’s giving nature. Fuller satisfaction and a richer life are the greater blessings found in giving. What we release for God’s purposes are never wasted but eternally invested! His kingdom is built on His people’s generosity. Five loaves and two fishes for a boy’s dinner became a feast for thousands. God’s multiplying miracle begins when we willingly let go. To respond faithfully is to trust God more than I trust my possessions. “Not how much, Lord, but what would You have me do?” Christ gave His time to the crowds, His compassion to the broken, His grace to sinners, His strength in service, His life upon the cross. Generosity was the whole direction of His life. For “though He was rich, yet for (our) sake He became poor so that (we) through His poverty might become rich.” (2 Corinthians 8:9) Will I follow Jesus in a more blessed way – to serve with open hands, not merely consume; exercise faith to live generously at home, at work, in church, in the community? Am I availing my resources to build God’s kingdom, my time in His service, my giftings to encourage others, His grace to share with all?
Where am I investing what God has entrusted to me? What do my investments reveal about my priorities? Let our pledges today express our worship and trust in the One from whom all blessings come and belong. By thanking God for His faithfulness, and seeking Him to guide our commitment which we offer joyfully, we can embrace generosity as the more blessed way of living. Willingly, trustingly, gratefully.
(Sermon notes by Marjorie Tan)
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
- Study Scripture
a. What stands out to you in Acts 20:35 about Jesus’ words, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Why?
b. How does Paul’s example in Acts 20:35–38 help you understand what a life shaped by Jesus looks like? - Recall Sermon
a. What part of “The More Blessed Way” sermon most challenged or encouraged you, and why?
b. Which of the three movements – A Way of Living, A Way of Loving, A Way of Blessing – spoke most clearly to you? - Relate Personally
a. In what area of your life do you find it hardest to live with “open hands” toward God (time, money, control, relationships)?
b. Can you recall a time when giving (not necessarily money) brought you unexpected joy or blessing? - Commit to Action
a. What is one practical step you can take this week to live more intentionally in “the more blessed way”?
b. How will you respond to God’s invitation to generosity in your daily life beyond Pledge Sunday?
